"Tessa Huxley’s work for parks in the Battery Park City community has been exemplary, and it is through her leadership that Battery Park City is such a beautiful community.

“We are deeply disturbed by the rumors that Tessa Huxley is being forced out of her position leading the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy by the Battery Park City Authority leadership. If she chooses to retire she will have our thanks and our sincere best wishes, but we see absolutely no reason for her not to continue in her position for as long as she wishes to serve."

Statement on Energy Conservation During Extreme Summer Weather

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2015

Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer issued the following statement on energy conservation during this week's extreme summer heat:

“Mayor de Blasio was absolutely right to note the importance of energy conservation and suggest New Yorkers refrain from running their air conditioners at the coolest possible temperature. We must all work together to reduce the risk of blackout and brownout conditions.

"However, raising the thermostat is only the beginning. Throughout our city, there are thousands upon thousands of commercial storefronts, and many are illegally propping their doors open and air conditioning the sidewalks.

"We passed Local Law 38 of 2008, outlawing this behavior for large stores and chain stores, for good reason: a 10,000 square foot business that leaves just one door open can waste 4,200 kilowatt hours of electricity over the course of the summer and release 2 tons of unnecessary carbon dioxide into the air, according to Con Edison.

"I implore owners and managers of street-level businesses to keep your doors and windows closed when the AC is running, and I urge the Department of Consumer Affairs to step up enforcement of the law during this period of extreme heat. Any New Yorker who observes a large store or a chain store with its AC running and its door propped open should call my office at 212-531-1609 and call in a complaint to 311."

Standing this morning at Broadway and East 11th Street, Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer issued a report finding that fewer than 10 percent of curb cuts along the entire length of Broadway in Manhattan fully comply with the specifications of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), whose 25th anniversary was celebrated last Sunday.

“If fewer than 10 percent of our curb cuts are up to code and accessible on our longest, most recognizable commercial street, we have a problem,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “The ADA’s 25th anniversary isn’t just a time to celebrate the progress we’ve achieved – it’s a time to double down on the work that still needs to be done to make our city safe, navigable, and welcoming for New Yorkers with disabilities.”

Starting in September 2014, more than 40 staff and volunteers from the Manhattan Borough President’s Office surveyed 1,357 locations where curb cuts are mandated by law along Broadway, from Bowling Green through Inwood. Of those locations, only 1,209 curb cuts could be located and measured. The remaining 142 curb cuts (10.5 percent) counted as missing were either entirely absent or obstructed by barriers. In addition:

6 percent led directly into a pothole

18 percent were blocked by street furniture such as garbage cans, newsstands, or scaffolding

24 percent were crumbling

28 percent were too steeply sloped to comply with ADA specifications, and

Nearly 90 percent were missing the required “bumps” to warn vision-impaired New Yorkers of the presence of a ramp

Today, Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer announced a public hearing on Manhattan traffic congestion, its causes, and potential solutions. Brewer issued the following statement:

"Uber and for-hire vehicles are only one piece of a larger congestion puzzle, and we need to have a broader conversation on congestion causes and solutions in Manhattan. That’s why I am convening a public hearing, as authorized by the City Charter, to fully explore this issue.

“According to the Taxi & Limousine Commission, the number of for-hire vehicles on our streets has spiked by 63 percent since 2011, and right now we are adding vehicles at a rate of 2,000 per month. These increases, driven by Uber and other e-hail services, may be exacerbating Manhattan's traffic problems.

“But we need to get the full picture of all sources of traffic increases, and holistic solutions to the gridlock that afflicts Manhattan. That conversation needs to include congestion pricing options, East River tolls, and significantly more investment in the MTA from every level of government. This public hearing will enable New Yorkers to get the full picture from a broad range of experts and interested parties." Read more...

Brewer Writes to Mayor De Blasio and NYCHA Chair Olatoye in Response to $10m Broadband Investment's Exclusion of Manhattan Developments

For Immediate Release: July 16, 2015

On Thursday, Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer sent the following letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Housing Authority Chair Shola Olatoye on the city's failure to include any Manhattan developments as part of its newly-announced $10 million investment in free broadband for NYCHA residents.

In her letter, Manhattan Borough President Brewer wrote: “While I am strongly supportive of your desire to bring free broadband to needy New Yorkers, I am confused as to why an Administration committed to an equitable New York would ignore two whole boroughs with a plan like this. NYCHA residents should not be penalized for living in Manhattan.” Read more...

Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer issued the following statement this evening, following Mayor de Blasio's announcement that New York City will honor the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team with a ticker tape parade in lower Manhattan:

"This team will turn the Canyon of Heroes into the Canyon of Heroines. It will be a history-making parade for a history-making group of athletes.

"With an emphatic victory that captivated a record-breaking national audience, they have demonstrated how far we've come.

"I thank Mayor de Blasio for authorizing the parade, and I'm looking forward to helping his team put it together.”

BackgroundYesterday, following the U.S. women's Sunday World Cup Final victory, Brewer wrote to the mayor:

“New York has a strong history of honoring sports teams in the Canyon of Heroes, but has never held a parade to honor a women’s team. Our newest soccer champions present an opportunity for New York to recognize that heroes and role models come in all genders, and I hope you will work with me to make this parade a reality.”

In the past day, the New York Daily News endorsed the parade in an editorial and more than 4,600 people have signed Brewer's online petition encouraging Mayor de Blasio to call a parade.

A history of New York City ticker tape parade honorees may be viewed here. Read a copy of Brewer’s letter.

Brewer Calls for Ticker Tape Parade for Victorious U.S. Women's Soccer Team

For Immediate Release: July 6, 2015

Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer today asked Mayor de Blasio to authorize a ticker tape parade along the Canyon of Heroes in Lower Manhattan to honor the U.S. Women’s National Team, who won the 2015 FIFA World Cup yesterday.

“New York has a strong history of honoring sports teams in the Canyon of Heroes, but has never held a parade to honor a women’s team. Our newest soccer champions present an opportunity for New York to recognize that heroes and role models come in all genders, and I hope you will work with me to make this parade a reality.”

Read the complete letter. A history of New York City ticker tape parade honorees may be viewed here.

Public Comment Period for East 91st Street Manhattan Transfer Station Open Through July 24

June 30, 2015

The construction of the East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station raises serious environmental and public safety concerns. It is an unnecessary project that places significant burden on the community – without providing justifiable benefits.

Through July 24, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting comments from the public regarding the renewal of the construction and operating permits for the East 91st Street MTS. This is an opportunity for the community most impacted by the East 91st Street MTS to have their voices heard. Submissions are crucial; these public comments apply pressure on DEC to hold a public hearing and take the next step against the MTS.

The Manhattan Borough President’s Office will continue to work with local elected officials and members of the community to challenge the renewal of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s operating and construction permits with the aim of halting this ill-conceived project. A real review of these MTS permits – including a public hearing – is vital.

Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's decision announced today in Obergefell v. Hodges:

"Four years ago, New Yorkers and Americans across the country celebrated our state's seemingly-impossible achievement in enacting marriage equality. Just four years later, we are celebrating a civil rights victory guaranteeing equal rights for same-sex couples across the country.

"Congratulations to the committed LGBT advocates and activists who have worked so hard to achieve this victory. Today our nation has taken another large step toward a more perfect union."

Statement on Addition of South Street Seaport to National List of Endangered Historic Places

June 24, 2015

Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer issued the following statement on the addition of the South Street Seaport to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual "America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places" list:

"The National Trust's designation only confirms what we in Manhattan already know: the Seaport area is at risk -- and very much worth preserving.

"In many ways, the Seaport is where New York City's economic development began, and we should be able to show future generations how that happened while enhancing the neighborhood for current New Yorkers.

"To dominate the area with a tower is the wrong choice, and I'm glad that the Howard Hughes Corporation is drafting a new proposal."

Stonewall Inn Designated a City Landmark!

June 23, 2015

Happy Pride Month! As cities across the world celebrate the 46th Anniversary the birth of the LGBT rights movement, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission has now ensured that the place where it all began is written into history. Today, the LPC voted unanimously to make the Stonewall Inn a landmark – the first LGBT landmark in New York City!

The Stonewall Inn has a unique place in the history of our city and in the struggle for dignity and equal rights in our society. Thanks to the LPC for finally designating the Stonewall Inn as a city landmark.